How to Free Up RAM on Windows 10
If your Windows 10 computer is running slow, freeing up RAM can help speed things up. RAM, or Random Access Memory, is where your computer stores data it needs to access quickly. By freeing up RAM, you can improve your system’s performance. It’s fairly easy to do this through a few steps, like closing unnecessary programs, disabling startup items, and running memory diagnostics.
How to Free Up RAM on Windows 10
Ready to boost your computer’s performance? Follow these steps to free up RAM on Windows 10. By the end of this guide, your machine should run smoother and faster.
Step 1: Close Unnecessary Programs
First, close any programs you’re not using.
Simply open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, then go to the "Processes" tab. Here, you can see all the running programs. Right-click on any program you don’t need and select "End Task." This will immediately free up some RAM.
Step 2: Disable Startup Programs
Second, disable unnecessary startup programs.
In Task Manager, go to the "Startup" tab. Here, you can see all the programs that start when your computer boots up. Right-click on any unnecessary programs and select "Disable." This will reduce the amount of RAM used when you start your computer.
Step 3: Clear Memory Cache
Third, clear your memory cache.
Open the "Run" dialog by pressing Win + R, then type "prefetch" and press Enter. Select all the files in the folder that opens and delete them. This will free up some RAM that was being used by cached files.
Step 4: Adjust Virtual Memory Settings
Next, adjust your virtual memory settings.
Right-click on "This PC" and select "Properties." Then, click on "Advanced system settings." Under the "Advanced" tab, click on "Settings" under "Performance." Go to the "Advanced" tab and click on "Change" under "Virtual Memory." Here, you can adjust the size of your virtual memory, which uses part of your hard drive as if it were RAM.
Step 5: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic
Lastly, run Windows Memory Diagnostic.
Open the "Run" dialog again and type "mdsched.exe," then press Enter. Choose "Restart now and check for problems." Your computer will restart and check for memory issues, which it will fix if possible. This can help free up RAM by solving any memory-related issues.
After you’ve completed these steps, your Windows 10 computer should have more free RAM, leading to better performance.
Tips for How to Free Up RAM on Windows 10
- Regularly restart your computer to clear out temporary files and free up RAM.
- Keep your software and drivers updated to ensure optimal performance.
- Use lighter, more resource-efficient programs as alternatives to RAM-heavy software.
- Install more RAM if your computer is regularly running out of memory.
- Use the "High Performance" power plan to allocate more resources to active tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need to free up RAM on Windows 10?
If your computer is slow or programs are crashing, you might need to free up RAM. Checking Task Manager can also show you how much RAM is being used.
Can I upgrade my RAM?
Yes, you can physically add more RAM to your computer if it supports it. This is a more permanent solution to running out of memory.
What is virtual memory?
Virtual memory uses part of your hard drive as an extension of your RAM. Adjusting its size can help improve performance.
Is it safe to delete prefetch files?
Yes, deleting prefetch files is safe and can help free up RAM. These files are temporary and will be recreated as needed.
Will freeing up RAM improve gaming performance?
Yes, freeing up RAM can improve gaming performance by ensuring more memory is available for the game to use.
Summary
- Close unnecessary programs.
- Disable startup programs.
- Clear memory cache.
- Adjust virtual memory settings.
- Run Windows Memory Diagnostic.
Conclusion
Freeing up RAM on Windows 10 can make a noticeable difference in your computer’s performance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can close unnecessary programs, disable startup items, clear your memory cache, adjust virtual memory settings, and run diagnostics to fix any issues. Each of these steps contributes to making your system run more efficiently.
If you find that your computer is frequently running out of memory, it might be worth considering a RAM upgrade. Additionally, keeping your software and drivers up-to-date can prevent memory issues and improve overall performance.
By regularly maintaining your system and keeping an eye on your RAM usage, you can ensure your Windows 10 machine runs smoothly. For more information on optimizing your computer, be sure to check out other articles and guides. Don’t let a sluggish computer slow you down—take action and enjoy a faster, more efficient machine today!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.